Kinulis(Ice) Lake

About this activity

Kinulis Lake, translating literally to “Ice Lake” (ყინულის ტბა), commonly refers to a small, high-altitude glacial lake situated near the dramatic Chaukhi Pass in the Kazbegi Municipality of Georgia’s Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. Nestled high in the Caucasus Mountains, likely above 3,000 meters, this lake lives up to its name – it often remains partially frozen or surrounded by snow and ice well into the summer months. Located beneath the imposing Chaukhi Massif, a cluster of rocky peaks popular with climbers and trekkers, Ice Lake is a feature along the challenging hiking route connecting the village of Juta (Khevi region) with Roshka (Khevsureti region) via the Chaukhi Pass. It’s a typical glacial tarn, small in size, fed by melting snow and precipitation, and characterized by very cold, clear freshwater. Due to the extreme altitude and harsh conditions, the surrounding landscape is mostly rocky terrain and sparse alpine vegetation, with very limited aquatic life within the lake itself. Its significance lies primarily in its stunning, wild beauty and its role as a landmark for high-mountain trekkers in one of Georgia’s most spectacular alpine areas.

Identification and Location

• Name: Kinulis Lake (ყინულის ტბა) or Ice Lake.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Mtskheta-Mtianeti
  • Municipality: Kazbegi Municipality
  • Nearest Landmark: Located near the Chaukhi Pass (approx. 3338m) and the Chaukhi Massif. Often accessed via a trek starting from Juta village. It’s geographically close to the Abudelauri Lakes, though separated by the pass.
  • Coordinates: Approximate coordinates for lakes near Chaukhi Pass are around 42°29′ N latitude, 44°47′ E longitude. Precise coordinates for this specific tarn may vary on different maps.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: An isolated high-altitude glacial tarn. Its outflow likely contributes to small mountain streams feeding rivers like the Sno or Gudamakari Aragvi systems.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Small, typical of a high-altitude tarn. Specific measurements are not widely available.
• Maximum Depth: Unknown.
• Average Depth: Unknown.
• Volume: Unknown, likely small.
• Elevation: Very high, likely situated between 3000 and 3300 meters (approx. 9800 – 10800 feet) above sea level, close to the elevation of the Chaukhi Pass.
• Shoreline Length: Short.
• Water Source(s): Primarily snowmelt, precipitation, potentially meltwater from small, persistent snowfields or minor glaciers on the Chaukhi Massif.
• Outlet(s): Likely a small surface stream, particularly during peak melt season.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Glacial origin, occupying a depression likely carved by ice in the high alpine zone.

Ecological Information

• Flora (Plant Life): Very sparse vegetation limited to hardy alpine species adapted to high altitude and short growing seasons – primarily lichens, mosses, some grasses, and low-growing flowering plants in sheltered spots. Aquatic vegetation is likely minimal to absent.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Extremely limited due to the harsh conditions (low temperatures, prolonged ice cover, low nutrients). May support some cold-adapted invertebrates. Fish are absent. Amphibians are unlikely at this altitude. High-mountain mammals (like Tur, Chamois) and birds (like Caucasian Snowcock, raptors) may frequent the surrounding slopes but are not specifically tied to the lake itself.
• Trophic Level: Strongly Oligotrophic (very nutrient-poor).
• Water Clarity: Expected to be very high due to minimal sediment and biological activity.
• Water Temperature: Extremely cold year-round. Remains frozen for a large part of the year (often into July or even August).
• pH Levels & Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Specific data unavailable, but expected to reflect pristine, cold, high-altitude water conditions.
• Unique Ecological Features: Represents a high-alpine aquatic habitat. Its persistence of ice/snow is a key characteristic.
• Conservation Status: Located in a high-mountain area often considered part of or adjacent to Kazbegi National Park. Benefits from the general protection afforded to this region. No specific designation for the lake itself is widely known.
• Invasive Species: Highly unlikely due to extreme conditions and remoteness.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: No known specific historical events. The pass itself has likely been used seasonally for centuries by shepherds or travelers between regions.
• Current Uses: Primarily serves as a scenic point of interest and landmark for trekkers and mountaineers undertaking the challenging Juta-Roshka trek via Chaukhi Pass or exploring the Chaukhi Massif. Not suitable for any other recreational or economic uses.
• Environmental Issues: Minimal direct impact due to remoteness and low visitation levels outside the trekking season. Potential impacts include waste left by trekkers and localized erosion near trails/campsites. Highly sensitive to climate change impacts on snowpack and melt patterns.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Protected implicitly by its remoteness and potentially through regulations associated with Kazbegi National Park or surrounding protected areas.
• Local Communities: Primarily relevant to communities in Juta or Roshka involved in tourism services (guiding, guesthouses) supporting treks in the area.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• Its common name, “Ice Lake,” accurately reflects its condition, often remaining frozen or partially ice-covered late into the summer.
• Situated in a breathtakingly dramatic landscape directly below the towering, jagged peaks of the Chaukhi Massif, often called the “Georgian Dolomites.”
• Reaching the lake requires a demanding high-altitude trek, typically involving significant elevation gain.